Baku, July 18, AZERTAC
As part of his visit to Angola at the invitation of Miguel Ángel Moratinos, High Representative for the United Nations Alliance of Civilizations, Sheikhulislam Allahshukur Pashazade, Chairman of the Caucasus Muslims Office, attended the Peace Alliance Summit held in Luanda on July 16-17, on the margins of the Initiative: “A Call for Peace, the End of Wars and Respect for International Law."
The opening remarks were delivered by Miguel Ángel Moratinos, Angolan President João Manuel Gonçalves Lourenço, and President of the Democratic Republic of the Congo Félix Antoine Tshisekedi. Speakers highlighted that Sheikhulislam Allahshukur Pashazade was the only religious leader participating in the summit.
During his visit, Sheikhulislam Allahshukur Pashazade met with Miguel Ángel Moratinos, the Presidents of Angola and the Democratic Republic of the Congo, the Prime Minister of Namibia, Angola's foreign minister, the mayor of Gernika in Spain, and several other senior officials.
Addressing the opening ceremony of a thematic session on July 17, the Chairman of the Caucasus Muslims Office hailed the United Nations Alliance of Civilizations for its efforts to promote peace and respect for international law. He also commended Miguel Ángel Moratinos’ contributions to strengthening dialogue among civilizations.
Sheikhulislam Allahshukur Pashazade highlighted Azerbaijan's experience in promoting peace, multiculturalism, and interfaith dialogue, as well as the country's close cooperation with the UN Alliance of Civilizations. He noted that President Ilham Aliyev's efforts to advance the Azerbaijan-Armenia peace process have received broad international recognition.
Sheikhulislam Allahshukur Pashazade emphasized that all holy books condemn the killing of a single innocent person as a crime against all humanity. He underscored the importance of preserving the memory of the tragedies of Guernica, Srebrenica, and Khojaly, calling for ongoing conflicts to be resolved peacefully on the basis of international law and for stronger international collaboration to prevent future tragedies.
The thematic session continued with discussions on "The Role of Religious and Faith Leaders in Promoting Dialogue and Peaceful Coexistence."